Hey, my dear Siestas!
Knowing I had to pop out of bed this morning to post for SSMT, I actually dreamed about you guys last night! We were at the celebration on a break between sessions and it was wonderful, beautiful chaos in the halls and teeming joy in the hearts. Now, that’s the kind of dream I want to have. I so hope you are well and that God’s Word is alive on your tongue and thriving in your everyday experience. Remember, He sends forth His Word to accomplish something. It’s meant to have effect and I pray you’re feeling the vivid power of it. I can’t think of the last time my memory verses came to me with more pure conviction. I can feel the friction they’re causing internally and the jagged edges they’re sanding externally.
Our minds are already four Scriptures stronger than they were when we broke open 2011 and that, my darling sisters, is a great accomplishment all by itself! I noticed we dropped back well over a thousand on the last SSMT entry and that’s completely normal. There’s no condemnation here. The natural tendency will be to have less and less participants as we have more and more verses to memorize. But I want to encourage you to stick it out if you possibly can because we’re not restricted to normal. The Apostle Paul claimed in 1 Corinthians 3:3 under the inspiration of God that we are more than “mere men.” In 2 Corinthians 4:7, he said we are jars of clay encasing the unspeakable treasure of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and that, through this treasure we “show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” A long way from normal. I always thought normal was overrated anyway.
I stared at the calendar yesterday almost with disbelief as February peeled off the page and I turned to March. As I glared at the word “March”, I thought to myself, “Not a bad theme for the month.” March, as a matter of fact, is a very Biblical word. The thought caused me to smile and then to look up every single occurrence of the word in Scripture and, there in those verses, the Lord spoke a fresh word to me. Maybe you could use it, too. Here are a handful of “march” Scriptures with a few thoughts that spun around in my bleached blond head:
Joshua 6:4 –
“Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets.”
Perhaps it won’t surprise you that the word “march” makes regular appearances in this book of the Bible so, if you’re in the wilderness longing to cross that river of fear and enter a land of fruitfulness, you might venture a fresh look at it. Here’s what hit me about Joshua 6:4 –
Marching tends takes a heap longer than we expect and a different form than we might rationalize. Think how odd all that marching-around-in-circles must have been to some of those Israelites. On top of that, consider that God never instructed another group of people to take exactly that same approach again in the pages of Scripture. He told Abraham to do one thing. Moses, another. Joshua, another. David, still another. All were in keeping with His will and His character but the variance in prescribed acts of obedience reminds us that God is resistant to our relentless pursuit of formulas. God knows, if we could rationalize it, we’d institutionalize it. We’d have 2500 satellite locations of the “First Church of Seven Circles.”
In case I’m losing you, or the whole idea of marching through March is too much for you, I’ll speed up.
In 2 Samuel 15:22, David told one of his mighty men: “Go ahead, march on.”
Point? If God is saying go ahead, then GO.AHEAD.
I like that. Nice and simple. If go, then go.
Maybe what you need most of all this March is for God to march right through your wilderness and rain down showers upon it from the seas in His hands. Think of praying this segment today over the 30 days ahead.
Psalm 68:7-11
7 When You, God, went out before your people,
when You marched through the wilderness,
8 the earth shook, the heavens poured down rain,
before God, the One of Sinai,
before God, the God of Israel.
9 You gave abundant showers, O God;
You refreshed Your weary inheritance.
10 Your people settled in it,
and from Your bounty, God, You provided for the poor.
11 The Lord announces the word,
and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.
(I love the part about refreshing the weary inheritance. Is that you, perchance?? It’s certainly been me at times over the last year. And how about V.11? Does that sound a little like Siestaville?? It blessed me to think maybe so.)
How about one more?
Isaiah 42:13 – The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior He will stir up His zeal; with a shout He will raise the battle cry and will triumph over His enemies.
And so, with all this March madness in mind for this month, could anybody use a really brief verse this go-round to help you catch up? Then I have just the March verse for you:
Judges 5:21b (NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Let’s hear it, Siestas! First name, city, verse, translation!
Beth, Houston. Think of how we regard as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and you have seen the Lord’s purpose, that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:11 The NET Bible
Amen to that. March on, Sisters! Your God is for you!
I love you guys.
PS. For all you Houston-area girls, Kari Jobe is our guest worship-leader tonight at Bible study. Come help me welcome her. We only have two more Tuesday nights in this series and you don’t need any background whatsoever to receive from our subject matter tonight. We’d especially love to have you if you’ve never been before. Let someone on my sweet staff know you’re there for the first time. They’ll make sure you feel welcome. See you at 6:30!
Lily, Warrenton, Even a child is known by his doings. Prov 20:11 KJV
Sue,
Chesterfield VA
” Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart”
Psalm 37-4
Mindy, Van
Psalm 51:10 – 12 ESV
Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Jamie, Phoenix: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. (1 Timothy 2:7, NIV)
Judy Lancaster, PA
In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
Psalm 71:1 KJ
Brenda from NH
,“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43:1b & 2 (New Living Translation)
i will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalms 32:8 NIV
Vicki Colorado Springs, Co.
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 NIV
Gina, Atlanta: Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV
Kelly
Abilene, TX
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
KJV
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Cara, Mt. Pleasant, IA
All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]. Proverbs 15:15, Amplified
Katie, Roanoke Tx “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:7-10 NIV
“If they had been remembering that land they came from, they would have had opportunity to return. But they now aspire to a better land – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared as city for them.”
Hebrews 11:15-16 HCSB
Heather
Mosinee, WI
Melissa Nashoba,OK
Sorry this is late, my computer has been down.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your path. Proverbs 3;5,6
Terena, Austin
Psalms 32:8 NASB
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
St. Louis
Psalm 31:14
“But I trust in you, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
NIV Isaiah 41:10
sorry to say but i have dropped out…
No condemnation, sister!
Kathy, Fort Worth
“Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Proverbs 13:10 (NIV)
Leila in Carrollton, GA
Psalm 68:11 ESV
The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host.
Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV
29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Cheryl – Kemah,TX
Beth, Kansas City, MO
“That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” James 1:7-8 NIV
Joy, Pasco, WA
Phil 4:11-13
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Julie Kate, Amory, MS
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:7-8 NIV
Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe His commands, His laws and His decrees that I am giving you this day. Deut. 8:11 NIV
Nicole, Knoxville, TN – Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you,the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” NIV
Anna, Robinson, IL
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
1 Peter 3:8 NIV
I Corinthians 16:13-14 (NKJV)
Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.
Kathleen, Richmond
“The Lord is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
Terry, Ocean Springs, MS
“For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways.
They will bear you up in their hands,
Lest you strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread upon the lion and cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.”
Psalm 91:11-13, NASB
You will not be afraid of the terror by night,
Or of the arrow that flies by day; psalm 91:5 NASB
Judy, Manassas Va
Debbie, N Ireland – Lamentations 3:22-24 (NIV)
“Because of the Lord’s great love we will not be consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him” …”
Jeanne, Albuquerque, NM “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5 NIV
Iris, Manitoba, Canada
They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.
Isaiah 61:4 (ESV)
Maureen, Cambridge, MA: “Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Jane – Effingham. IL
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
Tracey, Bear Creek, NC “The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 NIV
Has anyone here ever had doubts about her salvation?
Angela, Oil City, LA:
Lord, we love to obey your laws: our hearts desire is to glorify your name. Isaiah 26:8
Lisa, Surprise AZ
“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord- that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” James 5:11 NKJV
Revelation 12:11 (New American Standard Bible)
And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.
Beth, Lititz PA
Sarah, Russellville, AR
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” Colossian 4:2 NLT
I am taking yours, Beth, oh how I need that one!
Judges 5:21
“march on, my soul, be strong!”
Dana, Zachary You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. Deut. 6:7 NKJV
You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over. Surely and only goodness,mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life and through the length of my days the house of the Lord and His presence shall be my dwelling place. Ps 23:5-6 Amp.i
Sorry so late! Definitely need a short one this month, so will take Beth’s suggestion.
Debbie G., Jacksonville, FL: Judges 5:21b(NIV) March on, my soul; be strong!
Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty; the earth is full of His glory!
Isaiah 6:3 NIV
LS from NC
‘when you pass through the waters I will be with you, and through the rivers they shall not overcome you. . .for I AM the Lord your God.’
-isaiah 43:2a, 3a esv
Tammy, Hendersonville,TN: “March on my soul; be strong!” Judges 5:21b NIV